r your deep-laid machinations. We are here to enjoy ourselves
and found a hospital. Come in, however. I am delighted to see you. You
used to be a famous dancer--well, some little time ago."

"Yes, my dear countess, let us say some little time ago. Ach, those were
days! those were days! You do not mind the liberty I have taken?"

"I am glad you took it. But your card gave me a little tug at the heart.
It brought back so much. And still plain Karl Steinmetz--after all. We
used to think much of you in the old days. Who would have thought that
all the honors would have slipped past you?"

Steinmetz shrugged his shoulders with a heart-whole laugh.

"Ah, what matter? Who cares, so long as my old friends remember me? Who
would have thought, my dear madam, that the map of Europe would have
been painted the colors it is to-day? It was a kaleidoscope--the clatter
of many stools, and I fell down between them all. Still plain Karl
Steinmetz--still very much at your service. Shall I send my check for
five guineas to you?"

"Yes, do; I am secretary. Always businesslike; a wonderful man you are
still."

"And you, my dear countess, a wonderful lady. Always gay, always
courageous. I have heard and sympathized. I have heard of many blows and
wounds that you have received in the battle we began--well, some little
time ago."

"Ah, don't mention them! They hurt none the less because we cover them
with a smile, eh? I dare say you know. You have been in the thick of the
fight yourself. But you did not come here to chat with me, though your
manner might lead one to think so. I will not keep you."

"I came to see Prince Pavlo," answered Steinmetz. "I must thank you for
enabling me to do so. I may not see you again this evening. My best
thanks, my very dear lady."

He bowed, and with his half-humorous, half-melancholy smile, left her.

The first face he recognized was a pretty one. Miss Maggie Delafield was
just turning away from a partner who was taking his conge, when she
looked across the room and saw Steinmetz. He had only met her once,
barely exchanging six words with her, and her frank, friendly bow was
rather a surprise to him. She came toward him, holding out her hand with
an open friendliness which this young lady was in the habit of bestowing
upon men and women impartially--upon persons of either sex who happened
to meet with her approval. She did not know what made her incline to
like this man, neither did she seek to know.